How a 28-Year-Old Built Her AI Career — From Small Town to Big Tech

👩‍💻 From Bikaner to Big Tech: A 28‑Year‑Old AI Engineer’s Guide to Breaking In

Published by ENS | 21st July 2025

At 28, Kriti Goyal is already shaping the future of AI at one of the world’s largest tech companies. In an as‑told‑to essay, she recounts how she transitioned from a small town in India to Seattle—and shares actionable advice for those who want to follow in her footsteps.

🧭 The Pivot That Changed Everything

Inspired by a Code.org video featuring tech icons like Zuckerberg and Gates, Kriti traded her dream of studying medicine for coding. That choice set her on a path from Bikaner to a U.S. master’s degree at University of Wisconsin–Madison—and eventually, to joining her current Big Tech employer’s foundation model team 1.

🎯 Roles That Make Up an AI Team

Kriti advises getting familiar with the various tracks within AI—from researchers and model builders to infrastructure engineers and ML applicators. She herself codes the backbone of foundational model training systems 2.

🚀 Landing a Role: Strategy Over Serendipity

Her early internships in India laid a foundation—but it was her U.S. master’s, networking, and internal project pitching that won her a full-time role. Taking initiative and showing impact were critical 3.

⚖️ Do You Need a Degree?

Kriti acknowledges the lingering bias toward higher degrees, especially in certain teams. Still, she makes it clear: “Skills and visible impact matter—even more than formal credentials. If you can prove you can deliver, you can get in” 4.

📚 Tips Backed by Industry Experts

• Contribute to open‑source or build hands-on AI tools to showcase real experience 5.
• Balance technical skills with critical thinking and communication—AI is not just about code 6.
• Consider prompt engineering, business applications, or ethics roles—AI is more than engineering 7.
• Start small—a project, hackathon, or portfolio now can be more powerful than a degree later 8.

💡 The ENS Take

Kriti’s journey highlights an essential truth: in AI, **initiative matters more than pedigree**. Whether you come from a small town or a big city, the key is consistent learning, connection, and hands-on proof of value.

Looking to pivot into AI? Start building. Start coding. Tell something you built. ENS is here to share sharp, human stories that teach and inspire.